Rep. Jefferson pleads not guilty (AP)

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Rep. Jefferson pleads not guilty

21 minutes ago

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Rep. William Jefferson, D-La., pleaded not
guilty Friday to charges of racketeering, money-laundering and
soliciting more than $400,000 in bribes in connection with years
of trying to broker business deals in Africa.

Jefferson said little during the hearing in federal court in
Alexandria, Va., but said he understood the charges. He was
released on $100,000 bond.

A 94-page indictment, handed down Monday, details 11 separate
bribery schemes and 16 criminal counts, including racketeering,
soliciting bribes, wire fraud, money laundering and obstruction
of justice.

-snip-

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070608/ap_on_go_co/congressman_probe

[MidwestTransplant]

1. Too bad it doesn't read "Former Rep. Jefferson"

[EST]

2. Perhaps I am a little hardass about such things,

but, to me, a plea of "not guilty" means one of two things.

It either means-I did not do the things you accuse me of and the real problem is that you have jumped to unjustified conclusions and have not done a proper job of investigating, or it means-
"catch me if you can!" In which case the defendant should be liable for the millions of scarce dollars needed to investigate and prosecute for the very real infractions.

I realize, in my pollyanna fog, that this sort of idealism is a non-starter in the real world of mad dog prosecutors and corruption at the highest levels, but I truly wish it were so.

[Eugene]

3. Jefferson is presumed innocent. It is for the government to prove him guilty.

Nearly everybody pleads not guilty at an arraignment. If the
government wants a conviction, it will have to work for it.
Jefferson's "not guilty" plea simply acknowledges the charges
and starts the court process.

If Jefferson is convicted, the government can include the cost
of the investigation in the fines and restitution he is ordered
to pay. Until then, it is for the government to prove its case
against him.